Bus factor measures how many knowledgeable team members could become unavailable before a project stalls. A low bus factor signals dangerous dependence on one or a few people who hold the codebase’s quirks, history, and rationale. section 3.1.3
The practical goal is to distribute knowledge rather than shelter it in individual memory. Code reviews can support this goal, alongside team discussions, informal pair programming, and other knowledge-sharing activities. “Vacation factor” offers a more compassionate name for the same concern. section 3.1.3
Reduce dependence on individual experts by:
- Using code reviews to expose implementation context, conventions, quirks, and historical rationale. section 3.1.3
- Creating regular opportunities for team meetings, informal discussions, and pair programming. section 3.1.3
- Including newer team members so they can learn the codebase’s norms and conventions. section 3.1.3
